from the silent depths of the denser woods came the sharp report
of a rifle. The shock of the bullet sent the young fellow
staggering back among the mossy and myrtle-covered graves.

For a moment no one grasped what had happened, only there was
Norton who seemed to grope strangely among the graves. Black
spots danced before his eyes, the little group by the church
merged into the distance--always receding, always more remote, as
he, stumbled helplessly over the moss and the thick dank myrtle
and among the round graves that gave him a treacherous footing;
and then he heard Betty's agonized cry. He had fallen now, and
his strength went from him, but he kept his face turned on the
group before the church in mute appeal, and even as the shadows
deepened he was aware that Betty was coming swiftly toward him.

"I'm shot--" he said, speaking with difficulty.

"Charley--Charley--" she moaned, slipping her strong young arms
about him and gathering him to her breast.

He looked up into her face.

"It's all over--" he said, but as much in wonder as in fear.
"But I knew you would come to me--dear--" he added in a whisper.
She felt a shudder pass through him. He did not speak again.
His lips opened once, and closed on silence.